Week 1, Second Run

I went running again today. I talked TJ into going with me this time. It was fun going with him, even though the plight of the short-legged runner meant tht he was going much faster than me even when I was taking 3 strides for every 2 of his.

My calves held up much better than last time, but this time it was my shins that were my demise. I think I need to get new shoes -- these are pretty old, and I don't remember having nearly thus much muscle soreness last time. Yay for an excuse to shop!

I used exactly the same playlist as last time, so no need to repeat it here. Enjoy the weekend, readers!

Back in Action!

Hello, blogosphere! After (....*checks blog*....) nearly 2 years (oh, man), I've decided to return to this plan to try again. Why, you ask? Well, let me tell you about several changes which have happened in my life.

1) I got engaged, then married! Hence the new account and last name. Don't worry, though, this is still the same Erin. (I know you were worried.)

2) I graduated from grad school! Now I am gainfully employed as a music teacher and drama director. Hooray! I just finished up directing my first musical, and suddenly have all manner of time on my hands that I don't quite know what to do with, and significantly less stress in my life than at any point since about 1998 (not kidding).

3) I moved across the country! Whereas I used to live in Cleveland, right by a gorgeous running trail, I now live in the small town of Adams, MA..... right by a gorgeous running trail!! This wasn't my first stop between running trails, though; there were two intermittent (and horrible, and thankfully shortlived) stops at apartments in different towns in Western Mass, which were NOT right by gorgeous running trails. This one, however, is.

4) I miss feeling like I'm in shape. I chaperoned the high school prom last weekend, did the dance to "Cotton-Eyed Joe" for about 3 minutes, and was winded. Pathetic.

5) Unfinished business! I gave up last time, and that's lame. I do that sometimes. I don't like that about myself. So I'm trying to make amends.

So, anyway, I'm back on Week 1. I went on my first run yesterday, and, being out of the habit of running, FORGOT TO STRETCH FIRST. D'oh. I was doing pretty well cardiovascular-wise for the whole thing, but my calves started to burn like nobody's business halfway through, and I had to walk for two of the running bits. I promptly e-mailed friend, marathon runner, and fellow teacher Benn for some suggestions, and was not disappointed - he had some great stretches that I haven't tried before.

Other than that, I felt really good about running. It was my first time running on the new trail, although I had gone walking on it several times, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that most of it is in the shade.... since it was 80 degrees and humid yesterday, I was extremely grateful for this! It's a very pretty trail, and I'll write more about it in a later post.

Of course, I will be keeping up with my playlists! There will probably be a lot of repeating from the last go-'round, but I do have some new songs in there.

The walking songs are in navy, the running ones are in aqua.

• Hiroshima (B B B Benny Hit His Head) / Way to Normal - Ben Folds (3:38)
• Dr. Yang / Way to Normal - Ben Folds (2:30)
• The Frown Song / Way to Normal - Ben Folds (3:38)
• The Avenue Q Theme / Avenue Q Original Cast Soundtrack (1:05)
• Fugue for Tin Horns / Guys & Dolls Original Cast Soundtrack (1:28)
• Wild Honey Pie / The White Ablum - The Beatles (1:01)
• Eliza / A Picture of Nectar - Phish (1:32)
• Inakteli nóták (IV. da capo, Allegro) / A Cappella Choral Works of Ligeti - London Sinfonietta Voices (0:52)
• Berliner Messe - Zweiter Alleluiavers / I Am the True Vine (Arvo Pärt) - ProArte Singers (1:22)
• Up, Down, and Touch The Ground / Winnie the Pooh (1:02)
  
• Indian War Whoop / O Brother, Where Art Thou? Soundtrack - Jim Cummings (1:30)
• Before Cologne / Way to Normal - Ben Folds (0:54)
  
• Cigarette / Whatever and Ever Amen - Ben Folds Five (1:38)
• I Think I Have a Chance with this Guy / Strongbad Sings and Other Type Hits - What's Her Face (0:56)
• Bookends / Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits (1:21)
• Royal March from "l'Histoire du Soldat" / Make a Jazz Noise Here - Frank Zappa (0:59)
• Sweet Sweet / Siamese Dream - Smashing Pumpkins (1:39)
  
• Theme from Chip'n Dale Rescue Rangers / Cartoon Shuffle - Anamation Soundtrack Ensemble (1:01)
• If Ye Love Me / Pastyme with Good Companye - Flying V (1:32)
• You Don't Know Me / Way to Normal - Ben Folds feat. Regina Spektor (2:30)
• Cologne / Way to Normal - Ben Folds (2:30)
• Errant Dog / Way to Normal - Ben Folds (2:30)